UF in Japan: Bridging Cultures Through AI and Smart Cities
International comprehensive strategic partnerships are instrumental in building a more interconnected, stable, and prosperous world.
The University of Florida International Center is proud to announce its latest initiative: the development of Comprehensive Strategic International Partnerships. Through these select partnerships, we aim to engage fully and mutually on a global scale, encompassing student and faculty exchanges, joint degree programs, study abroad opportunities, and collaborative research projects. With multiple agreements and exchanges, along with a long history of collaboration, Japan was a natural choice for our university’s first visit.
In April of 2024, the University of Florida International Center sent a delegation of UF leaders and faculty to Japan. The goals of the trip were to strengthen existing partnership in Japan, explore potential strategic partners, and increase the global visibility of the University of Florida. The theme of the trip was AI and Smart cities.
The University of Florida
The University of Florida (UF), founded in 1853, is a major public research university located in Gainesville, Florida. With a student population of over 50,000, UF is one of the largest universities in the United States. It offers a wide array of academic programs through its 16 colleges, covering fields such as engineering, business, law, medicine, and liberal arts. Known for its strong emphasis on research, innovation, and community engagement, the University of Florida is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the nation.
Partner Connections
Explore the map below to learn about the institutions visited on the trip.
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1
Japan
Japan is a nation renowned for its rich cultural heritage, strong economy, and technological innovation. Its higher education system is highly esteemed worldwide, with numerous prestigious universities emphasizing research and development, creating a rigorous academic environment that attracts both domestic and international students.
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Osaka Electro-Communication University
Osaka Electro-Communication University (OECU), established in 1941, is a distinguished private university located in Osaka, Japan. It serves a student population of around 6,000. The university is organized into three main faculties, focusing on engineering, information science, and biomedical engineering, providing specialized education and research opportunities in these fields.
While at OECU, the delegation was able to learn about new international and technological initiatives for the university and view some of the specialized digital arts and animation studios.
3
Osaka University
Osaka University, founded in 1931, is one of Japan's leading research universities. The university is located in Osaka, Japan with approximately 25,000 students. The university comprises 11 undergraduate schools and 16 graduate schools, fostering a diverse and comprehensive academic environment.
Osaka University has similar internationalization goals as the University of Florida, and the delegation was able to discuss potential collaborative activities and hear faculty discuss some of their latest projects.
4
Kyoto University
Kyoto University, founded in 1897, is one of Japan's oldest universities. Situated in the historic city of Kyoto, it hosts around 23,000 students. The university is structured into 10 faculties for undergraduate education and 18 graduate schools, offering a wide range of academic disciplines and fostering a rich environment for research and innovation.
UF has a longstanding history of collaboration with KU, spanning several decades. This partnership has established student exchanges, faculty exchanges, study abroad programs, and joint research initiatives. During the recent visit, the delegation had the opportunity to engage with both the new upper leadership at KU and UF's existing collaborators to plan for the next series of joint activities.
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Shiga University
Shiga University, established in 1949, is a reputable national university located in Shiga Prefecture, Japan. It serves approximately 4,000 students across its two campuses in Hikone and Otsu. The university is organized into three main faculties: Economics, Education, and Data Science, the latter being the first of its kind in Japan.
In 2023, Shiga University visited UF to discuss collaborations in AI with UF leadership in conjunction with NVIDIA Corporation. During the visit, the delegation was able to further build on these discussions and signed an MOU to signify a commitment to research in AI.
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Fujisawa Smart City Town
Fujisawa Smart Town, located in Fujisawa, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, is an innovative, sustainable urban development project designed to promote eco-friendly living. Developed by Panasonic and its partners, the town integrates advanced technologies and green practices to create a smart, energy-efficient community. It features solar power generation, smart grids, energy-efficient homes, and community facilities aimed at reducing environmental impact and enhancing residents' quality of life. Fujisawa Smart Town serves as a model for future sustainable urban living initiatives.
A site visit by the delegation was crucial for studying advanced implementations of AI and smart city concepts. This visit allowed the team to gain insights into practical applications and innovations that could inform and enhance UF's initiatives in smart city research and development.
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US Embassy
The U.S. Embassy in Japan, located in Tokyo, serves as the primary diplomatic mission of the United States to Japan. It plays a crucial role in fostering diplomatic relations, promoting American interests, and providing consular services to U.S. citizens in Japan. The embassy engages in a wide range of activities, including cultural exchanges, economic cooperation, and political dialogue, to strengthen the partnership between the United States and Japan.
During the visit, the team met with officers from the Public Affairs sector and EducationUSA to learn more about opportunities for students and scholars, as well as to showcase some of UF's recent initiatives to welcome Japanese students and faculty.
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University of Tokyo Research Center for Advanced Science & Technology (RCAST)
Established in 1987, the University of Tokyo Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology (RCAST) is a premier interdisciplinary research institute within the University of Tokyo. RCAST is at the forefront of pioneering research across various fields, including information technology, robotics, environmental science, and medical engineering.
During the meeting at the Komaba research campus, the delegation presented an overview of UF and were briefed on the history and ongoing research initiatives at RCAST.
9
University of Tokyo Graduate School of Information Science & Technology (IST)
Established in 2001, the University of Tokyo Graduate School of Information Science and Technology (IST) is dedicated to advanced research and education in information science and technology. As part of Japan's premier national university, IST conducts cutting-edge research in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data science, with the goal of driving technological innovation and societal advancement.
The final meeting of the trip was held at the Hongo Campus, where participants exchanged information on respective research areas, programs of interest, and potential opportunities for collaboration.
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Alumni Engagement
The University of Florida boasts a vibrant community of hundreds of alumni residing in Japan. The delegation was honored to spend an evening with many of them at a reception, followed by a fantastic dinner. This gathering provided a wonderful opportunity to share the latest news and developments from UF, while also allowing the delegation to learn about the alumni’s aspirations to re-engage and contribute to UF.
Results & Impact
Sending a university delegation to Japan was crucial for developing international academic partnerships, enhancing existing collaborations, and identifying comprehensive strategic partners. During the delegation visit, we engaged with various universities, conducting insightful site visits that provided a deeper understanding of their academic and research environments. These interactions not only facilitated knowledge exchange but also opened doors for joint research projects, student and faculty exchanges, and innovative educational programs.
This is just the beginning of our partnership with Japan, laying the foundation for an extensive international network that promises numerous mutually beneficial outcomes. Strengthening these global connections is essential for advancing UF's international initiatives and expanding opportunities for our faculty, staff, and students.
Potential research project at Lake Biwa between Kyoto University and UF’s IFAS/Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics.
Potential joint collaborative research on persimmons between Kyoto University’s Graduate School of Agriculture and UF’s Horticultural Sciences Department.
Maria Selezneva of UFIC visited Kyoto University, Shiga University, and Nagoya University to meet with study abroad counterparts and view facilities with the goal of increasing the number of exchange students and new study abroad programs.
The Graduate School has dedicated tuition waivers for Japanese students who receive Fulbrights.
UF has been invited to present their programs at a study abroad fair in Japan at the end of the year.
(Re)establish the Japan Gator Club and connect with UF alumni in Japan.
Strategic Initiative proposal submitted to UF to create an AI-enabled smart cities program.
Delegation Profiles
Dr. Jeremiah Blanchard
Instructional Associate Professor, Department of Engineering Education, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering
Dr. Gloria Kim
Assistant Professor, Department of Engineering Education, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering
Dr. Michael Kung
Director & Assistant Scholar, Office for Global Research Engagement, UF International Center
Dr. Toshi Nishida
Professor & Associate Dean, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering
Dr. David Reed
Associate Provost & AI2 Director
Dr. Ravi Srinivasan
Professor, Rinker School of Construction Management, College of Design, Construction and Planning
Dr. Nicole Stedman
Associate Provost & Dean of the Graduate School
Connect with Us
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our delegation's visit to Japan, please don't hesitate to reach out. We are excited to share our experiences, insights, and the knowledge gained from our academic journey. Your interest and engagement are important to us.
Contact Information
Marta Wayne (mlwayne@ufic.ufl.edu )
Michael Kung ( mkung@ufic.ufl.edu )
University of Florida International Center
1765 Stadium Road, Suite 170 Hub, PO Box 113225, Gainesville, Florida 32611
